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23. The effectiveness of all such organisations
would depend on the economic strength of the
member countries. Japan could play an extremely
important part here, as Asia entered upon this
new chapter of its history.
contras
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24. Mr. Aichi considered that the security of
the region was threatened in two main ways:
(a) by direct threat from Communist countries
such as China, North Vietnam and North Korea;
(b.) by subversion at the instigation of these
The latter was the real problem. It
was essential to strengthen the powers of resist
ance of the countries in the area by promoting
their political and economic stability. To
this end, Japan would strive to promote regional
co-operation and a sense of solidarity. She
would continue to extend assistance, within
/25.
the limits of her capacity, to help these
countries to help themselves./ No military
organisation could become effective enough to
counter a direct threat from outside the region.
Against direct aggression (it was not imminent)
the countries would have to continue to depend
upon the United States military prosence, which
was expected to remain in the area in some form.
Political solidarity could itself have some
deterrent effect. Mr. Aichi welcomed the
decision of Australia and New Zealand to
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maintain forces in Maldaia, the psychological
effect of which would be considerable.
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